Identify the one who is not considered as one of the founders of the discipline of Communication.
(A) Harold Lasswell
(B) Kurt Lewin
(C) Everett Rogers
(D) Karl Hoveland
Correct Ans: (D)
Explanation:
Karl Hoveland is not recognized as one of the founders of the communication discipline. While he made valuable contributions to psychology and persuasion, other scholars like Harold Lasswell, Kurt Lewin, and Everett Rogers are celebrated for their foundational work in communication theory.
Harold Lasswell earned recognition as a pioneer because of his contributions to political communication and propaganda analysis. His well-known model, “Who says what, in which channel, to whom, and with what effect?” became a cornerstone in understanding communication processes. Lasswell’s work emphasized the significance of media effects and communication structure.
Kurt Lewin, often referred to as the father of social psychology, significantly influenced communication studies by introducing concepts like group dynamics and change theory. His research highlighted how communication patterns in groups affect behavior and decision-making processes. These ideas became foundational for interpersonal and group communication studies.
Everett Rogers gained fame for his “Diffusion of Innovations” theory, which examined how new ideas and technologies spread within societies. His work bridged communication, sociology, and marketing, creating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding innovation adoption.
In contrast, Karl Hoveland focused on attitude change and persuasion through his research on communication’s psychological aspects. While his work enriched specific areas, it did not establish the core frameworks of the communication discipline.
In conclusion, Karl Hoveland made significant contributions to related fields but does not hold the same foundational status as Lasswell, Lewin, or Rogers in the communication discipline.
